December 16, 2025: The Maharashtra government has issued fresh directions to address long-standing redevelopment delays that disproportionately affect senior citizens, empowering the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to take strict action against errant developers. A circular issued on Monday mandates the creation of monitoring mechanisms and allows the SRA to cancel developer appointments if stalled projects are not expedited within a defined timeframe.
The circular directs the SRA to constitute an implementing and monitoring committee for redevelopment projects, with mandatory representation of two senior citizens from the concerned housing society. The move aims to ensure that the voices of elderly residents, who often face the greatest hardship during prolonged redevelopment, are formally included in decision-making and oversight.
Maharashtra has had a senior citizens’ policy in place since 2013, and in March 2024, the housing department issued a government resolution detailing its application to housing projects. In the latest circular, the department noted that redevelopment delays place an undue burden on senior citizens and stressed the need to prioritise their safety, health, and rehabilitation timelines.
Under the new framework, the implementing and monitoring committee will include the deputy chief engineer, the executive engineer, the concerned developer, and two senior citizen representatives. The committee must meet on the first Tuesday of every month, with minutes submitted to the SRA’s chief executive officer. In addition, the SRA CEO has been instructed to hold a comprehensive review of redevelopment projects impacting senior citizens at least once every three months.
The circular further outlines a structured enforcement process. If complaints arise regarding the pace or quality of work, the SRA is required to issue monthly show-cause notices to the developer for three consecutive months. If there is no measurable improvement despite these notices, and if a majority of senior citizens from the project seek action, the SRA CEO is authorised to cancel the developer’s appointment.
The government has also reiterated the need to integrate senior-citizen-friendly infrastructure into redevelopment projects. “All housing projects must prioritise facilities, keeping in mind the physical and mental well-being of senior citizens. There should be grievance redressal officers at the authority level,” the circular states.
